Every year this country loses hundreds of hectares of forests due to fires alone.

Needless to say, the domino effect of this ends with negative impacts on the many forms of life that are sustained by the forests including man. The theme of World Environment Day in this the last year of the 20^th Century, is "Our Future, Our Earth - Just Save It."

Incredibly, after almost 2,000 years since the birth of Jesus Christ, man still needs to learn that our future on Earth must rely on how well we treat this planet.

The forests, as part of Earth's renewable gifts to man, have been overexploited and totally abused as man continues to "progress". The expanding need for land, on this watery planet, has put vulnerable forest resources at risk.

Since the dawn of civilization, forests have been a very important part of man's environment. Their value for timber, wildlife) recreation, water, erosion control, and aesthetics has long been recognized.

Forests also screen dust from the air, suppress loud noises, dissipate unpleasant odours, produce atmospheric oxygen, reduce atmospheric pollutants and temper the climate.

For people seeking relief from the everyday routine of this fast-paced world, forests provide a place of quiet, rest, relaxation and inspiration.

Experts recommend that at least one-third of the land area should be covered by protective forests. In Trinidad and Tobago, urbanization, industrialization, squatting, fires and illegal logging are among this country's main contributors to forest destruction and its associated environmental problems.

Ironically, World Environment Day falls 'smack' in the middle of Fire Season and this year, the Forestry Division's Fire Prevention and Public Education programme's theme is also along the same slant as World Environment Day that is "Save Our Forests for all Time".

Only a responsible, caring and alert citizenry will be able to contribute to the conservation of our forests and its rich bio-diversity and by extension the survival of the human race.

We must bring about positive changes in our attitudes, behaviour, lifestyles and value systems.

We cannot procrastinate. Acting wisely today brings dividends tomorrow. Save our Forests for our Future.

Some of the personal kinds of actions which we as citizens may undertake are to:

• Cultivate an appreciation for trees and forests.

• Show concern for landscape and scenery destruction.

• Visit forests to understand their roles better.

• Avoid vandalism and unwarranted destruction of trees.

• Protect and save trees during site preparation and construction.

• Be careful with matches and cigarette butts in and adjacent to grassy and woody areas.

• Prevent and suppress wildfires.

• Reforest denuded hillsides.

• Plant trees, shrubs and hedges around homes.

• Insist on landscaped school grounds, play fields, offices, factories and shopping centres.

• Plant flowering vines and creepers on concrete walls.

• Make a compost heap instead of burning vegetable matter.

• Do not use persistent weedicides and aboricides.

• Limit concrete and asphalt paving.

• Do not over-fertilize lawns and plants.

• Do not waste water. Use it wisely.

• Give wildlife a chance. Curb wanton destruction.

• Protect their habitats.

• Obey all laws.

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